Shear stress modulates the proliferation rate, protein synthesis, and mitogenic activity of arterial smooth muscle cells.

Abstract

We conclude that (1) increasing shear stress inhibits SMC proliferation and stimulates the synthesis of cell-associated proteins and the release of mitogens and (2) decreasing shear stress facilitates proliferation of SMC. Thus, in situations of arterial flow separation, the increased release of mitogens from SMC subjected to high shear stress and the increased proliferation rate and susceptibility to mitogens of SMC subjected to very low shear stress may generate a critical condition that predisposes to the development of atherosclerosis with early plaque formation in regions of low-flow shear stress.